Manchester United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has openly expressed his commitment to staying at Old Trafford, regardless of who takes the permanent managerial role.
The former United striker stepped in temporarily on Monday after the club parted ways with Erik ten Hag following a string of disappointing results, which included a recent 2-1 loss to West Ham. Van Nistelrooy’s debut as interim manager was a success, as he led the team to an impressive 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup, securing United a place in the quarter-finals.
The club is expected to soon appoint Ruben Amorim as the permanent manager. Amorim plans to bring with him several trusted staff members, including Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, and Carlos Fernandes, as well as a few specialists like goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital and sports scientist Paulo Barreira. Despite the shift in leadership on the horizon, Van Nistelrooy remains optimistic and motivated, eager to contribute to the team’s success in whatever way he can.
Van Nistelrooy clarified, “I’m very motivated to stay here; that’s my absolute goal. Coming back to United has a purpose for me. I have a contract, and my aim is to help the club move forward. So, when the new manager joins, we’ll see what the future holds, but my desire to assist this team remains strong.”
When asked about whether he would discuss his role with Amorim once he arrives, Van Nistelrooy simply responded, “We’ll see. My focus is on helping the club, and I’m prepared to assist in any way. I’m here to push forward with the club’s best interests at heart.”
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Van Nistelrooy acknowledges the challenges the team currently faces, describing the club’s state as “a difficult situation” but one worth working through. “The club is in a challenging phase, but it’s part of a process we’re committed to,” he said, recognizing that patience and effort will be essential in restoring United’s standing.
In reflecting on his return to Manchester, van Nistelrooy noted, “Coming back to the city and the club I’ve always loved has been incredibly special. Manchester holds a lot of good memories for me, and though the staff has changed, the essence of the club I cherish is still here.”
When asked about the team’s potential, he voiced confidence in the current squad. “The most important task right now is to help these players reach their maximum potential. It’s an exciting challenge for both the staff and players to aim higher. The remaining games this season will be a clear indicator of where the club is and where we need to go next,” he explained, emphasizing that the squad has untapped potential.
Van Nistelrooy knows his role as interim manager is a short-term commitment, a point that was clear from the beginning. “The interim timeframe is brief; the club made that clear, and I was on board with that from the start,” he said. However, his dedication to the club’s future seems unwavering, and he’s ready to continue serving United in any capacity.
Despite the limited time, van Nistelrooy’s positive impact has already made waves. His connection to United and dedication to helping the team succeed have made his temporary role feel more like a homecoming, adding a hopeful note to the future as United looks to steady the ship under new leadership.
